University of Arkansas System

Chief Business Officer - Division of Research and Innovation (VCRI)

University of Arkansas System$148K — $196K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field
  • 4+ years of financial planning and analysis experience
  • 2+ years in a supervisory role
  • 3+ years of accounting experience related to research activities
  • Proficiency in presenting financial activity both orally and in writing

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership for financial planning and budgeting
  • Oversee financial operations across research and innovation units
  • Collaborate with division leadership and academic units
  • Monitor key research support programs and compliance
  • Ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic academic environment
  • Collaboration with diverse research and academic personnel
  • Exposure to high-level financial strategies within research
  • Professional development opportunities available
  • Participation in a community dedicated to education and innovation
Full Job Description
Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions.

Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students."

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Student Jobs at UAF."

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.

Closing Date:
09/28/2026
Type of Position:
Administrative Strategy

Workstudy Position:

No
Job Type:
Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at [redacted].

Department:
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business Services

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:
The Chief Business Officer (CBO) serves as the financial leader for the Division of Research and Innovation (VCRI). The CBO will provide strategic leadership and oversight for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, organizational administration and resource allocation, operational effectiveness, and the administration and tracking of key research support programs, including start-up commitments and cost-share obligations, across the division and the research enterprise.

The position provides financial oversight for division units including, but not limited to, the Office of Research Administration (which includes sponsored programs, research compliance, contracting, and campus services), Research Technology & Infrastructure, Technology Ventures, Research Security, Research Advancement, and Research Operations, as well as research centers and core facilities such as the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center and the Arkansas Materials Institute.

The CBO partners closely with division leadership, academic units, associate deans of research and department heads; central administrative offices; and external stakeholders such as the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and Arkansas Research Alliance to support the university's strategic research objectives, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and strengthen operational infrastructure.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Capital and Financial Planning and indirectly to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
  • At least four years of financial planning and analysis experience
  • At least two years of experience in a supervisory role
  • At least three years of accounting experience related to research enterprise activities
  • Experience with written and verbal presentations of financial activity
  • Experience developing, implementing and monitoring budgets
  • Experience working with federal and state regulation of sponsored research


Preferred Qualification:
  • Master's degree in business, accounting or a related field
  • Experience working with federal uniform guidance and related federal regulatory systems
  • At least four years financial planning and analysis experience in post-secondary higher education
  • Successful completion of a CPA or similar professional certificate
  • Director level experience
  • Experience managing financial operations, accounting, budget, and reporting functions in a post-secondary environment
  • Workday experience


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • In depth understanding and knowledge of best practices in the areas of budgeting, analytics, operations and planning
  • Excellent communication skills both oral and written
  • Time management skills
  • Decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret financial data
  • Ability to collaborate and work well with others
  • Ability to work under time constraints
  • Proficient abilities with Microsoft Office Suite - with expertise in Word and Excel


Additional Information:

Salary Information:

$148,500 - $196,000 Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:



All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt within the posting period.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Sex Offender Registry

Constant Physical Activity:
Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Talking
Frequent Physical Activity:
Feeling, Grasping
Occasional Physical Activity:
Standing, Walking
Benefits Eligible:
Yes

About University of Arkansas System

The University of Arkansas System is a state university system in the U.S. state of Arkansas. It comprises six campuses; a medical school; two law schools; a graduate school focused on public service; a historically black college, statewide research, service, and educational units for agriculture, criminal justice, and archeology; and several community colleges. Over 50,000 students are enrolled in over 188 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Legally, the entire system carries the name University of Arkansas. Nonetheless, to avoid confusion with its flagship campus in Fayetteville, the system usually refers to itself as the University of Arkansas System and the Fayetteville campus usually refers to itself as the University of Arkansas.
Learn more about University of Arkansas System

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